Reigniting the Winning Spirit
Bedford Bearcats Football Season Preview
As the upcoming high school football season approaches, the Bedford Bearcats are determined to have a turnaround season under the leadership of Head Coach Zac Toth, who enters his second year at the helm. With a core group of returning starters and a hunger for success, the Bearcats are eager to showcase their talent and restore Bedford's winning traditions.
The Bearcats finished the 2022 season with a 3-7 record, but Coach Toth sees this as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Last year, the team featured a predominantly young and inexperienced lineup, with 19 first-time varsity players taking the field. However, this year presents a different scenario, as close to 19 starters return on both sides of the ball. Armed with the invaluable experience gained from last season, the team is poised to utilize it as a catalyst to propel them to even greater heights in the upcoming season. Coach Toth shared, "We set the foundation last year for years to come. We have a great group of young men who are heavily active in the community, excel in the classroom, and put in the work on the field."
Consistency has been a key focus for Coach Toth and his coaching staff. With all but one coach returning from last year's roster, along with the addition of a previous coach, the Bearcats have established continuity and a shared vision. This stability allows the coaching staff to build upon the foundation laid in the previous season and fine-tune the team's strategies and tactics.
Coach Toth expressed, "Our main goal is to flip the script. Last year we were 3-7, this year we want to be no less than 7-3 and make a deep run into the playoffs." One of the Bearcats' key assets to help them achieve this goal will be senior quarterback and safety Ethan Hardnick. As the heart and soul of the offense, Hardnick is expected to have a significant impact on both the passing and rushing game.
Hardnick, the only 1st Team All-Conference Bedford player returning to the team this season, will have plenty of weapons to throw to, including senior and three-year starter Kam Bybee at wide receiver, alongside Jay Jay Hudson and Robert Pearson-Hendon, who provided explosive playmaking ability before his season-ending leg injury. Bybee stated, "We're stronger, faster, and more cohesive as a team compared to last year. There are no egos, as everyone is playing for each other. We are a family, united in our desire to win and bring a championship home to put Bedford on the map."
On the defensive side, linebackers Terrance Brown and TyQuan Goodman, both returning starters, will make life difficult for opposing offenses. Additionally, senior Jordan Rutledge and junior Randall Rosario will provide leadership and strength on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Bybee continued, "We're hitting the weight room a lot more than last year, watching more film, and spending more time together. We know it's going to take a lot of effort and dedication. We're taking things day by day, week by week, without underestimating any opponent." The Bearcats eagerly anticipate their matchups in the Lake Erie League, recognizing the fierce competition and electric atmosphere that accompanies each game. One particular game that stands out for the team is the clash against Maple Heights, a rivalry game that often holds playoff implications.
The Bearcats have something to prove this year. Coach Toth added, "The pieces have been put in place, and as I always say, winning football games is the final piece of the puzzle." With a team primarily composed of Bedford natives who have been representing the Bearcats since their days with the Little Bearcats program, they embody the pride and spirit of their community, and their desire to win is stronger than ever.
As the Bedford Bearcats gear up for an exciting football season, they carry the hopes and dreams of their community. With the foundation set and a determined group of athletes, the Bearcats are ready to rise to the challenge, make their mark on the field, and bring glory back to Bedford.
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